Ebtesam Nafie

Early Life and Education:

Ebtesam Nafie is a dedicated professional with a passion for advancing the understanding of cancer biology and contributing to the development of medical solutions for cancer patients. She was born and raised in Egypt, where she developed a keen interest in biology and the intricacies of cellular processes from a young age. Ebtesam pursued her academic journey with determination, earning her Bachelor's degree in Biology with First Class Honors from Benha University in 2004.

Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a Master of Science in Molecular Biology at the same university, graduating in 2009. During her Master's, she explored the genotoxic effects of certain anticancer drugs and the protective actions of natural products on mice chromosomes, laying the foundation for her future research endeavors.

Doctorate and Research Focus:

In 2013, Ebtesam Nafie obtained her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics from Benha University. Her doctoral research delved into the cytogenotoxic effects of some anticancer drugs and the potential protective role of natural products in mice chromosomes. This research allowed her to gain valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying cancer development and treatment.

Career and Academic Achievements:

After completing her Ph.D., Ebtesam began her academic career as a Lecturer of Biological Sciences at Benha University. Over the next five years, she taught several undergraduate courses in biology, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and more. During this time, she mentored students, conducted workshops on molecular biology techniques, and actively engaged in research focused on breast cancer stem cells' resistance to therapy.

In 2015, Ebtesam embarked on an enriching research experience at the Gilbert lab in Florida State University. There, from 2015 to 2017, she contributed to groundbreaking research on genome-wide analysis of replication timing, a potential cancer prognostic biomarker.

Post-Doctoral Research:

Seeking to broaden her research horizons, from 2017 to 2021, Ebtesam pursued a post-doctoral fellowship at the prestigious Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope in Los Angeles. Her research in Dr. Guido Marcucci's lab focused on targeting leukemic stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia using innovative approaches like nanoparticle delivery systems and siRNA technology.

Ebtesam's work garnered significant attention in the scientific community, and she had the opportunity to present her findings at numerous conferences, including the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meetings.

Contribution to Cancer Therapeutics:

In 2022, Ebtesam Nafie joined Galvanize Therapeutics, Inc., as a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Immuno-oncology. Her work at Galvanize focused on generating data to inform the development of cutting-edge clinical therapies, including pulsed electrical field (PEF) ablation in combination with immunotherapy to combat breast cancer.

Ebtesam's dedication to advancing cancer therapeutics through innovative research earned her prestigious awards and scholarships, recognizing her contributions to the field.

Skills and Expertise:

Ebtesam possesses a diverse skill set that encompasses flow cytometry, genetic analysis, nanoparticle production, immunoassays, and cell culture techniques. Her proficiency in utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as next-generation sequencing, RNA-Seq, and immunotherapy has enabled her to make significant strides in cancer research.

Personal Traits and Interests:

Aside from her dedication to her scientific pursuits, Ebtesam is a skilled leader and effective communicator, fostering collaboration within diverse teams. Her passion for teaching and academic advising, along with her curriculum development expertise, highlights her commitment to sharing knowledge and shaping the next generation of scientists.

Ebtesam is fluent in both English and Arabic, reflecting her global perspective and open-mindedness. Her attendance at international conferences allows her to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and foster collaboration with experts worldwide.

Ebtesam Nafie's journey as a cancer biologist and researcher has been marked by unwavering determination and a commitment to making a positive impact on cancer patients' lives. Her remarkable achievements, from her early academic pursuits to her influential contributions in post-doctoral research and industry, demonstrate her exceptional potential to drive innovation and pave the way for groundbreaking cancer therapies. With a clear vision for a future without cancer, Ebtesam remains a beacon of hope for patients and researchers alike.